Tobacco Control Initiative

07/01/2025

Today marks the end of an era. After nearly 21 years of dedicated service to Louisiana’s to***co users, Deborah “Debby” Durapau finally QUIT… working! For good!

Since November 15, 2004, Debby has shown deep compassion for individuals trying to quit to***co, encouraging them to start with simple changes and believing in them when they didn’t believe in themselves. She’s touched countless lives and helped so many people on their journey to better health.

Thank you, Debby, for sharing your wisdom, friendship, and love with the To***co Control Initiative team. Work won’t be the same without you, but we’re cheering you on as you step into this next chapter.

Enjoy your retirement—you’ve earned it, and more importantly, you DESERVE it! 💖

06/27/2025

It’s NOT Too Late to Quit! There’s still time to reach your goal of living to***co-free. The Louisiana To***co Control Initiative is here to help, every step of the way.

It often takes 8–11 tries to quit to***co for good, so if you’ve tried before, try again! ❤️

Let’s make the second half of 2025 your healthiest yet! Free, proven quit support is available and ready when you are.🤜🤛

Sign up: https://redcap.link/tcisupport
Text us: 504-285-2793
Call toll-free: 1-866-457-7848
Visit: www.latci.org

Source: cdc.gov/to***co/data_statistics/sgr/2020-smoking-cessation

LA-TCI provides behavioral counseling, access to low or no-cost medication, and referral to other quit -smoking services for thousands of smokers across Louisiana.

06/13/2025

🎗️ June is National Men’s Health Month 🎗️
Men, your health matters! It’s not too late - early detection saves lives!

Check out this powerful segment from featuring our very own Dr. Michael Celestin, highlighting the importance of quitting to***co use and cancer screening to decrease your chances of to***co-related disease:
📽️ National Men’s Health Month & Cancer – FOX 8
https://www.fox8live.com/video/2025/06/04/national-mens-health-month-cancer/

Let’s break the stigma, talk about health, and encourage the men in our lives to get regular checkups. 💪💙

MensHealthMonth

06/04/2025

TCI Program Director, Dr. Michael Celestin, Jr., appeared on the Fox 8 New Orleans Morning Show to spotlight the importance of quitting to***co during the station's National Men’s Health Month and Cancer segment. He shared how TCI's free cessation services, as well as other state resources, are helping Louisiana men take control of their health and reduce cancer risk—one quit at a time. Quitting to***co not only lowers your risk for cancer-it also improves heart health, boosts testosterone levels, and enhances physical performance.Watch the full interview here:

05/31/2025

📅 May 31st is World No To***co Day
🎯 This year’s message is clear:
Bright Products. Dark Intentions.
Big To***co is going after youth with colorful packages and sweet flavors — but behind the glitter lies addiction and disease.
At the To***co Control Initiative (TCI), based at LSU Health Sciences Center – School of Public Health, we’re exposing these tactics and giving Louisiana communities the tools they need to live to***co-free.
📣 On this World No To***co Day, stand with us.
🛑 Protect our youth.
✅ Promote prevention.
💡 Support quitting.
🔗 Sign up for help today
👉https://redcap.link/tcisupport
📢 ***coDay ***coExposed

05/18/2025

Today is No Menthol Sunday, a day to have real conversations on the impact of to***co and specifically menthol in the Black community.

Each year, smoking kills more Black people than homicides, suicides, AIDS - related deaths, car accidents and police brutality combined.

Menthol ci******es - with their minty flavor - make it easier to start smoking and much harder to quit. That's why most Black smokers and teens who smoke choose menthols.

If you smoke or v**e, and want to quit, the Louisiana To***co Control Initiative can help. We'll work with you to develop a plan to quit and help you throughout the process. Visit https://redcap.link/TCIsupport to get started.

04/01/2025

🚭Take Down To***co Day is Here! 🚭

To***co use is still the leading cause of preventable death, but YOU have the power to break free! 💪 This Take Down To***co Day, the Louisiana To***co Control Initiative (LA-TCI) is raising awareness about Big To***co’s harmful tactics and offering support for those ready to quit.

💡 Did you know?
💗Quitting to***co improves your health immediately – within 20 minutes, your heart rate drops!
💰You can save thousands by quitting – to***co isn’t just affecting your health, it affects your wallet too!
🆓 Free and effective quit support is available for YOU!

Let the Louisiana To***co Control Initiative help you QUIT!

📝Sign up for support: https://redcap.link/tcisupport
📲Text us at 504-285-2793
📞Call our toll-free number: 1-866-457-7848
🌐Visit us at www.latci.org

Let’s Take Down To***co together! 💙 ***co ***coFreeLouisiana

LA-TCI provides behavioral counseling, access to low or no-cost medication, and referral to other quit -smoking services for thousands of smokers across Louisiana.

02/11/2025

Today, we had the pleasure of celebrating Debby Durapau after she presented program updates at the Lallie Kemp Medical Center Winter Forum. This moment was extra special as TCI honored Debby’s 20 years of dedication to our program!

Her commitment and impact over the years have been truly remarkable. We commemorated the occasion with a plaque and roses—just a small token of appreciation for two decades of excellence.

Thank you, Debby, for your passion and service!

02/04/2025

🎗️ Today is World Cancer Day! 🎗️

We’re honored that Dr. Michael Celestin, TCI Director, had the opportunity to speak with Fox 8 News about the impact of cancer and the importance of early detection, prevention, and support for those affected.

📺 Watch the full interview here: https://www.fox8live.com/video/2025/02/04/world-cancer-day/

Every conversation brings us one step closer to a world where fewer lives are lost to cancer. Let’s continue raising awareness and supporting those in the fight. 💜

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Louisiana To***co Control Initiative!

11/21/2024

TODAY is the Great American Smokeout! Today, thousands across America will make the decision to quit smoking and va**ng. If you are a resident of Louisiana and would like more info on how you can start your journey, please email us at [email protected] or call 504-702-5178

11/14/2024

Mark your calendars for November 21, 2024—it's the Great American Smokeout! This is the perfect day to take a big step toward a healthier life by making a plan to quit smoking. You don’t have to go it alone—reach out for support and start your journey to a smoke-free future. Let’s make this the first day of a healthier, smoke-free life! 🚭 ***co